Safe ski touring is one of the primary concerns of the Willamette Chapter – Oregon Nordic Club. The aim of our trips is to have an enjoyable experience along with other skiers whether we are traveling on easy, marked trails or challenging backcountry routes. Since there is inherent risk in what we do, it is the responsibility of each of us to participate in a thoughtful and intelligent way, matching the trips we participate in to our skill level, and using each trip as an opportunity to improve our skiing and navigation skills and our ability to assess snow safety conditions.

Trip descriptions, maps and trip reports are not intended to provide adequate information for independent travel; and the ONC Willamette chapter does not recommend such use of the information on this site. The trails shown are in backcountry areas and are unmarked and unpatrolled. Navigation in winter conditions can be surprisingly difficult. Thoughtful consideration should be given to the advantages of making trips with experienced group leaders who have local knowledge of terrain and snow conditions.

Avalanches occur near Santiam Pass, and it pays to be prepared. For the Santiam region, you will want to visit the Summary Avalanche forecast for the Mt. Hood area, which is the report geographically nearest to Santiam Pass. Always check this resource before your ski tour. If you have any question about the day’s snow safety / avalanche conditions, it is wise to await better conditions. The mountains will always be there.

We offer the following suggestions for your consideration; and we would welcome additional ideas from Club members regarding safe ski touring practices.

1. Choose tours that match your current skill level. It may be hazardous to yourself (and other tourers) to attempt trips that are too far beyond your abilities. Call the tour leader a day in advance to discuss skills and equipment.

The tours are of varying length and difficulty. Skill levels applied to touring are:

A – Easy: A need for basic skills and the traversing of a few miles on largely level terrain.

B – Intermediate: Distances extend to 10+ miles, moderate hills are encountered and the accumulated elevation gain for the trip can exceed 1000 feet

C – Advanced: Entering backcountry, C trips add elevation gain, frequent steep terrain and extended time “on the skis”.

D – Expert: Backcountry and high terrain skiing. D is best described as professionally challenging with substantial difficult terrain and long distances entailed.

2. Be sure that someone knows where you are skiing and when you expect to return.

3. The Club seeks to sponsor as many tours (and as many types of tours) as possible and we schedule tours in advance so that members can plan ahead. However, we realize that adverse conditions may make a particular tour (or any tour) hazardous on the scheduled date. It is completely within the discretion of the tour leader to change the level of a tour, move a tour to a different location or cancel a tour entirely.

4. Travel to and from ski trips presents hazards which tourers should be aware of and prepared for: check the weather and road conditions before leaving for a tour; be sure your vehicle is prepared for winter driving; always use chains or traction when they are required; slow down–this is the most important step you can take to reduce the risks of winter driving; be aware of the potential for fatigue on the return trip–take a break or change drivers if necessary.

5. during a tour you should constantly assess snow/weather conditions, your own stamina level and that of your companions. be willing to turn back before reaching your goal, if it might unsafe to continue.

6. carry the ten essentials and know how to use them.

1. water & extra food

2. extra clothing

3. map

4. compass

5. whistle

6. flashlight

7. matches & fire starter

8. sunglasses & sunscreen

9. first aid kit

10. ski repair supplies/tools.

please do not wear cotton on trips. this is out of concern for your safety, as well as the safety of others.

7. if you stop for a meal or some socializing on the drive home, have designated drivers who do not consume alcohol.

8. keep safety in mind in all aspects of ski touring; you are responsible for your own safety.